We Pulled the Three Boats a Little Higher
on the BeachThe James Caird, the Dudley Docker and the
Stancomb Wills, after the first landing on Elephant Island.

Rough Sketch Map of Landing Place and First Camp at C. Valentine,
Elephant IslandLanding on Elephant Island is a difficult task at any time, there are shoals
in the sea, steep cliffs surrounding the island and the waves are
frequently large and dangerous

The First Drink and Hot Food for Three and a Half DaysOn arrival on Elephant Island, cooking had been impossible in the
boats on the ocean and fresh water was in short supply

Launching the James Caird from Elephant Island. Setting out to reach South
Georgia 800 miles away across the stormiest seas in the world was to
become one of the most incredible small boat journeys of all time.

The Stancomb Wills

In Sight of Our Goal - Sighting South GeorgiaThe James Caird was taken on the journey as it was the boat in best
repair. Any resources the crew had left from the Endurance were used to
make it more sea-worthy, including cannibalizing some wood from the other boats.

Landing on South GeorgiaComposite photograph of the scene and a drawing of the men pulling up
the boat onto the shore in King Haakon Bay.

Cave CoveOn arrival at South Georgia the 6 man crew of the James Caird were
exhausted and made a camp in a cave they found. The "Albatross on
nests" as marked gave them excellent sustenance.

Surrounding of King Haakon Bay

Plan of Sleeping Berths in CaveAfter living on ice floes and in a drenched boat from Elephant Island,
the dry cave lined with grass was of the highest luxury even if it was
cramped.